Illegal Thai workers enter South Korea as tourists travelling in tour groups. However, only about 15,200 illegal Thai workers, or 10.7% of the estimated number of 143,000, reported themselves to authorities. The flow of Thai workers flocking into South Korea is mainly driven by the lure of a higher income. The shortage of unskilled workers in South Korea has also boosted demand for both legal and illegal migrant workers. South Korea should consider adopting the Thai solution by proceeding with registering and legalising about 360,000 illegal migrant workers there.

Source: Bangkok Post May 19, 2019 23:15 UTC